The Sun and the Hemispheres

One of the most useful tricks is figuring out whether you're in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere. This alone can help you distinguish between places like the United Kingdom and New Zealand, or Chile and Turkey — even when everything else feels similar.

If you're lucky enough to get a round on a clear day around noon, pay attention to the position of the sun or the direction of shadows. These natural clues can quickly tell you which half of the world you're in.

• If the sun is to the south, you're likely in the Northern Hemisphere.

• If the sun is to the north, you're likely in the Southern Hemisphere.

Watch out near the equator! In countries close to the equator — like Ecuador, Indonesia, or Kenya — the sun's position can shift north or south depending on the time of year. Because of the Earth's tilt and its orbit around the sun, the sun might appear directly overhead or even on the "wrong" side, especially around June or December. So, while the sun trick is powerful, always consider the possibility of being in an equatorial region where it might not apply as clearly.

This technique is simple but powerful — and once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.